Rivera named UMES Greek life coordinator

PRINCESS ANNE, MD
– (Aug. 21, 2014) – Cecilia Rivera has joined the Office of Campus Life as the Greek
life coordinator – a new position at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

“I tell people, I’m in the business of changing lives,”
Rivera said.

She hails from Willard, Ohio 77 miles southeast of the
University of Toledo, where she spent 15 years, including the past five working in the Greek life office.

“I was looking for a change in my life professionally and
personally,” Rivera said. “(Toledo) will forever hold a special place in my
heart, but it was time for me to leave so that I could grow.”

“Everything for this move was a leap of faith,” she said,
“but I know it was the right thing for me.”

As an undergraduate at the University of Toledo, Cecilia joined Sigma Lambda Gamma in 2000 while studying criminal justice, which
happens to be a popular major at UMES. “Joining my sorority was the best decision I’ve
ever made,” she said.

Aside from her upbeat demeanor and positive energy, Cecilia
brings an impressive background of experience to UMES. At Toledo, she worked
with 30 Greek social organizations with affiliations spread among four
councils: Panhellenic, Interfraternity, Multicultural Greek and National
Pan-Hellenic (NPHC).

“I want our students to understand joining a Greek lettered organization is a lifetime
commitment, not a four year commitment, to uphold the principles and values of
the organization,” she said.

UMES has five active (NPHC) chapters; four fraternities
and one sorority, two social fellowships (Groove Phi Groove, Swing Phi Swing)
and Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity and Sorority.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter was reactivated this past spring.

Rivera is enthusiastic – and optimistic – about growing
UMES’ Greek life community. She will be looking first at what it takes to
revive inactive chapters of NPHC sororities.

“I have reached out and am waiting
to hear back from regional directors as to the next steps from our end,” she
said. “I would like to have at least one more sorority on
campus by the end of this academic year.
My focus will be working with (current) groups developing their leadership
and growing their individual memberships.”

“I’m excited to be here. I hope to connect with advisors
on campus and graduate advisers to understand expectations,” Rivera said.

“I am confident Ms. Rivera is the right person for the
task,” said Dr. Anthony Jenkins, vice president for student affairs and
enrollment management. “She understands my vision for Greek life and possesses
the skill set to make it happen.”